Tag: OYRTMA

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has issued a directive mandating its officers to wear officially approved uniforms during enforcement operations.

This move comes after numerous complaints from the public regarding officers conducting arrests and enforcement activities while dressed in mufti and unapproved uniforms.

The Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd.), gave the directive on Thursday while addressing all zonal commanders across Oyo state.

He said wearing uniforms is essential for maintaining professionalism, transparency, and public trust.

“The use of mufti for enforcement can lead to confusion, fear, and undermine the legitimacy of operations. Moreover, it opens officers to accusations of impersonation, extortion, and misconduct, ultimately damaging the reputation of OYRTMA.

“Officers are no longer permitted to participate in traffic enforcement operations while not in complete and officially approved OYRTMA”, Adesagba stressed.

Read Also: OYRTMA issues last warning to roadside traders at Ogunpa market

He added that all enforcement activities must be carried out by officers fully dressed in authorised uniforms, with Zonal and Unit Commanders ensuring strict compliance within their commands.

He added, “Officers found violating this directive will face disciplinary action according to extant rules and regulations.”

Adekoya emphasised that uniforms symbolise authority, responsibility, and service to the public.

Officers are reminded to conduct enforcement activities with civility, respect for citizens’ rights, and adherence to guidelines.

This move aims to boost public confidence through professionalism and transparent conduct.

Officers are reminded that our primary role is to ensure safety and order, not to intimidate or harass. Enforcement must be conducted with civility, respect for the rights of citizens, and in strict adherence to the stipulated guidelines of the Authority.”

The Oyo state government has issued a final notice to traders at the Ogunpa Central International Market, Ibadan, to desist from displaying goods on the roadside.

The government also told the traders to maintain proper setbacks for the free movement of people or face sanctions.

During a sensitization campaign at the market, the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), expressed displeasure over the incessant use of roadways for commercial activities, describing it as a serious obstruction to traffic flow and a threat to people’s lives and property

He urged the traders to change their approach, stressing that placing wares along the main roads endangers both customers and business owners.

Read Also: Court remands motorist for assaulting OYRTMA officers

He assured stakeholders that the present administration is committed to making market spaces more conducive, in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to clear road obstructions.

“We are here to enlighten the traders on the state government’s plan to clear illegal trading activities from the roads around the Ogunpa Central Market. We’ve advised that traders maintain a reasonable distance from the road setback. Roadside trading will no longer be tolerated,” he stated.

The chairman also disclosed that enforcement actions targeting illegal parking, roadside display of goods, and vehicular obstruction will commence from July 21, 2025, in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies.

He emphasised that the enforcement is aimed at reclaiming roads and spaces designated for public infrastructure and safety.

In response, the President-General of the Ogunpa Central International Market Traders Association, Prince Gbenga Atitebi, expressed support for the government’s stance.

He admitted that the indiscriminate roadside trading has hurt customer turnout and pledged the association’s cooperation with the state’s directive.

Also speaking, the Iyaloja, Ibadan Southwest LGA, High Chief Kudirat Aloba, appealed to the state government to come to their aid towards ensuring that those selling at the roadside comply with the directives.

A driver, Oke Ademola, has been remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre by an Oyo State Mobile Court for allegedly assaulting two officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA).

The incident occurred at the Agodi Gate Bus Stop, where Ademola was accused of physically attacking OYRTMA officers, Kareem Yakubu and Ogunjimi Ayotunde.

Ademola, who was driving an unlicensed Toyota Camry, was arraigned before the court on Friday on six counts, including disobeying traffic lights, refusing to park at designated motor parks, resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, driving without a license, and operating an unlicensed vehicle. 

The defendant pleaded guilty to the assault charge.

Magistrate F.R. Olaniyan, presiding over the case, reserved judgment until 26 February 2025, and ordered that Ademola be remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre pending the final ruling.

In response to the incident, Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (Rtd), strongly condemned the driver’s actions and expressed concern over the increasing trend of motorists disobeying traffic laws and assaulting officers. 

He emphasized that such behavior undermines effective traffic management and poses a significant threat to public safety.

He said, “This kind of lawlessness is becoming too rampant and counterproductive to our efforts in ensuring orderly traffic flow in the state.

“We urge all motorists to adhere to traffic rules and regulations for the benefit of everyone. OYRTMA remains committed to its mandate and will not be intimidated by the actions of a few individuals who prioritize personal interests over public safety.”

Read Also: Court orders final forfeiture of $4.7m, N830m, properties linked to Emefiele

The Chairman also highlighted the recent rise in attacks on OYRTMA officials, including fatal incidents, while on duty. 

He reassured the public that the agency would continue to enforce traffic laws diligently and protect its officers from harm.

“This case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of violating traffic laws and assaulting law enforcement officers.

“OYRTMA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure safer roads and better traffic management across Oyo State”, Adesagba concluded.

Two officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Oyedepo Samuel and Waheed Quadri, have been assaulted by tricycle riders and hoodlums while performing their duties. 

They were attacked with iron rods, stones, and sticks at the Water Corporation gate in Ibadan.

According to eyewitnesses, the officers apprehended a commercial tricycle parked on the road, obstructing traffic.

However, while transporting the tricycle to the Agodi Gate command unit, they were ambushed by a group of tricycle riders and hoodlums. 

It took the intervention of a passerby to rescue the officers from the angry mob.

It was gathered that the injured officers are receiving treatment at the State clinic, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Speaking in Ibadan, the Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.) said seven suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.

He condemned the attack, stating: “It’s a pity that our officers, who work tirelessly to ensure sanity and orderliness on our roads, are being assaulted and harmed.”

Adesagba emphasised that the authorities will not be deterred from performing its legitimate duties.

Read Also: Makinde visits Agodi explosion scene as OYRTMA vows to restore normalcy soon

He assured that the perpetrators have been arrested and are in custody at Idi-Ape police station.

The suspects were arraigned at the Magistrate District Court 1, Ibadan North East, on Wednesday, on charges of assault. 

Each suspect was granted bail with one surety and a bond of ₦100,000. However, since they were unable to meet the bail conditions, they were remanded in Agodi Prison pending further hearing.

The case was adjourned until November 17, 2024.